The surfing scene at Ketewel Bali

Ketewel is no Kuta Beach when it comes to beauty. This black sand beach is littered with driftwood and the remains of offerings. Tourist don’t come to this beach to sunbathe, they come to surf. When I showed up today, there were about 20 people in the water, the sun was shining, winds were down and there was some swell.

Access to the beach is easy and there is a limited amount of parking right at the beach. The one warung serves simple snacks and drinks. My teh panas ( hot tea cost 1,000rp). Asking the the warung owner about accommodation in the area for surfers, he said ‘tidak ada‘ (don’t have). Most people either stay in Kuta or Sanur, coming out to surf then heading back.

The surfing crowd at Keramas today consisted entirely of locals and Japanese, including girls on body boards. Sitting next to 2 Japanese guys admiring the view the atmosphere seemed quite civilized. Another 12kms east along the Bypass and you’ll come to Keramas, another wet season surf spot. Ketewel seemed like a place beginners / intermediates might enjoy, not people looking for epic surfing. Surprisingly WannaSurf describes it as a ‘regional classic, pro’s and kamikazi’s only’. Definitely wasn’t that way today and the access has improved. Driving time from Kuta 30 minutes.